Erasmus Experience in Almeria, Spain by Paweł

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Why did you choose to go to Almeria, Spain?

Originally I am from Poland so since we have slightly different climate there, (it is really cold in winter) I thought that going to Spain would just make my summer time a little longer. Besides I heard a lot about Spanish customs and people and I thought what's not to like.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

My scholarship is for about 4 months and I've got 95% of my whole stypend which is about 2100€.

What is the student lifestyle like in Almeria?

In most days students obviously go to the university, but afterwards they go to parties in clubs or they go to the beach with friends.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Almeria to other students?

Almeria is really great city, but one thing you can't forget coming here is your studies. It is great having fun here with people from another countries, but it is easy to forget about studying. So if you will be able to find a balance between fun and your studies than with all my heart I can recommend you coming here for your Erasmus experience.

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What is the food like?

In restaurants or cafes there are many different kinds of tapas (it's a general term for a small dish), for example paella which is really tasty. Besides that there are many dishes that are really great and since Almeria is a city with access to the sea there is a lot of fish and also other kinds of seafood if you're into that stuff :)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Almeria?

Actually my situation after my arrival here was quite funny. First two nights I was sleeping at my friend's place. Then me and my other friend had to find another place to stay, and only thanks to a kind Spanish woman we had a place to stay for one other night and then she helped us find a place of our own, so I might say that thanks to a real luck it didn't cost us anything to find accommodation.

How much does it cost to live in Almeria?

The cost of living in Almeria isn't very high if you know where to do your groceries. There is a chain of shops called Dia. They have many discounts and you can make a buy things for 10-20€ and leave the shop with three bags of groceries.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

It is quite easy to learn Spanish and since in Spain not many people speak English it is important to know at the very least some basic words and phrases. There is special course for Erasmus students and it's free.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Almeria from your city?

I came to Spain by plane from Warsaw to Madrid and from Madrid to Almeria. I'm not saying it's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Almeria. I'm just not quite sure which way is the easiest.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Almeria?

Well there is this very popular club called La Clasica. Many erasmus students go there mostly because with valid ESN card there is free entry most of the time and at least once a week there is free beer for erasmus students. Although if you were to live in Zapillo (distric of Almeria where most of students live) and you don't want to go this far to La Clasica you could a little closer that is to Pasadena Cafe on Calle California. It's very nice place with salsa lessons on Tuesday, and 1€ for a beer on Thursday.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Almeria?

Well, most of the restaurants serves the same or similar dishes, so it really doesn't matter where you go. I personally go sometimes to the place called Cafe Paris bacause it is the closest place from my flat. They serve many kinds of sandwiches and baguettes and a wide variety of drinks, and besides this place have a view of the sea and the beach so you can sit there drink coffee or something else and just relaxed looking at the horizon.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There few important things to see staying in Almeria. First, there is an impressive cathedral in the city center. Then there is Alcazaba within the city which is massive fortified structure which have more than a thousand years. There is also Cabo de Gata which is a beautiful natural park. Lastly there is a big statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the city from high above and if you were to stand in the same direction as the statue you will have the sea in the right, the city in front of you and a little in the left, while behind you there would mountains and hills. It is great experience.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Almeria in the future?

First, you should be careful with the money unless you have some of your own. Second, don't party all the time. I know it's very tempting to just spend whole day on the beach, but you might realize that studying here is very hard sometimes. And lastly, meet some other erasmus students. It is the main thing that you will remember from your erasmus experience and if you befriend someone from another country try to maintain this relationship because you might be surprise how great, helpful and friendly are people from another countries.